Hesperaloe funifera aka New Mexico False Yucca

Hesperaloe funifera is an evergreen perennial in the asparagus family, Asparagaceae. Its common name is New Mexico false yucca. Its native range runs from southwest Texas into northern Mexico. Kew lists Coahuila and northern Nuevo León within that range. Plants For A Future also includes San Luis Potosí. It grows on rocky slopes and open plains in dry regions. These sites lie mainly at 1,640–3,280 feet [500–1,000 metres] above sea level. Some records reach 6,890 feet [2,100 metres].

This slow-growing plant reaches about 6 feet [1.8 metres] tall. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. Plants may grow for several years before they first flower. Plants For A Future gives September to October as its flowering season. Each flower has both male and female organs. Flowering does not end the plant's life. It lives on after bloom and remains a perennial garden plant.

Give it a warm, sheltered site in full sun. It does not grow in shade. Sandy and loamy soils suit it when water drains well. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soil. It can grow in dry or moist ground and withstand drought. Wet conditions do not suit it, above all in winter. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 6–9 for hardiness. Good drainage remains a key part of its care.

Gardeners can raise new plants from seed sown under glass in spring. A day-long soak in warm water may speed germination. At 68°F [20°C], seeds may take one to twelve months to sprout. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Keep them in a greenhouse or cold frame through their first two winters. Plant them outside in early summer. Young plants may need cover during their first winter outdoors.

The plant suits cultivated beds and has uses beyond the garden. Its strong fibres can make cord and reinforce paper. Potential paper uses include filters, tea bags, and high-strength sheets. Blending these fibres with others can improve paper strength and texture. Plants For A Future records no known food or medicinal uses. It also lists no known hazards, rather than proof of safety. The same source does not flag it as weedy.